Empty Saddle Nominees
ABOUT DOYLE DAVIS
Doyle Richard Davis was born July 5, 1939. Doyle’s Dad, Lester Davis, was the owner of Bar D Rodeo Company so it was no surprise that Doyle got his start in rodeo at a very young age. By the time he was 12 he was working as a pick-up man for his Dad’s rodeo company, later he helped Charlie Tindol at PRCA sanctioned rodeos. He began roping calves at age 7, then soon added rough stock events to his resume. He rode bulls, bucking horses, roped calves, and dogged steers for 17 years. In 1962, he was drafted into the army. While stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. he won the All Around at the Reed Ranch Indoor Rodeo. After returning home from the army, he became interested in team roping and tripping steers. In 1969 he teamed up with Scottie Dugger. The team of Dugger and Davis won the Texas Rodeo Association Team Roping Championship in 1973 & 1974. In 1973 they won every go round and the average at the Finals. Doyle and Scottie up and backed at most rodeos. In 1975 Doyle was The Texas Team Ropers Association Finals Champion. He teamed up with Chuck Doebbler in 1986 to qualify for the PRCA Texas Circuit Finals and in 1990 Doyle heeled for Phil Lyne in the PRCA. Doyle was a PRCA Gold Card Member, a member of the USTRA, TRA, TTRA, and Rope America. Not only was Doyle a hand in the rodeo arena, but also in the Brush Country of South Texas. He spent many a hot days working cattle with Phil Lyne and Charlie Tindol in Live Oak, Duval and La Salle Counties. Some of his hobbies included driving a wagon with a team of mules or horses, various leather work, and telling life stories to his family, grandchildren, and friends.
ABOUT JANETTE PLUNKETT LEE
Janette Plunkett was born and raised in Abbott, TX. She learned & started trick riding in the mid 1950,s.
While at a rodeo in Belton, TX Janette became enthused over trick riding after watching trick riders Polly McGowan of Dallas and Jody Reynolds of Dublin.
Janette learned to trick ride from Ruby Tacker who was giving lessons at the Hill County Roundup Arena . Janette learned the art quickly and was soon hired by Dan Coates of Fort Worth. In 1957, Coates produced a rodeo in the Dominican Republic and invited Janette to appear as one of the trick riders in the show. The rodeo was so successful that only two weeks later Coates produced another two-week show in Havana, Cuba; Janette was also hired to trick ride there.
In 1958, Janette made her debut in the Rodeo Cowboys Association and worked with many of the elite trickriders such as Nancy Shepperd, Karen Womack Vold, Dick & Bev Hammond and J.W. Stoker.
Janette also modeled for Miller Western Wear and Tony Lama boots.
Janette retired from trick riding in the early 1980’s
ABOUT JIM BYNUM
Born December 16, 1951, passed away September 25, 2022. Jim’s passion for being a cowboy came naturally. He was raised in a ranching family where he learned to be a great pasture cowboy which carried over to his bulldogging career in the PRCA. He had the luxury of being around great cowboys such as his dad Al Bynum, Uncle James Bynum and many more. Jim was just as comfortable bulldogging as he was with a rope in his hand. Jim went to Sul Ross on a rodeo scholarship then came back home to Ellis County and started his professional cowboy career in the PRCA.
Jim’s rodeo accomplishments included being a 2-time year-end champion at Mesquite Rodeo, a 3-time Qualifier of the Texas Circuit Finals and placed in major rodeos such as Ft Worth, San Antonio, Houston, Cheyenne and many rodeos in and around Texas. Jim retired from bulldogging in the 90’s and turned his interests to team roping. He was a member of the PRCA, USTRC, World Series and the 40+ Team Roping. For those that knew him, Jim’s heart was as big as his grip and was a true cowboy in and out of the arena.
ABOUT MITCH TERRELL
Mitch Terrell’s life story embodies the spirit of a true cowboy and the unwavering dedication to the rodeo world.
Mitch Terrell’s journey in rodeo began as a young boy when he found his passion for the sport. It wasn’t just about the thrill of the ride but how he spoke from his heart.
One of Mitch’s defining qualities was his unwavering dedication to his loved ones. He was known for his willingness to go beyond to ensure the well-being of those he cared about.
Tragically, his life was cut short in a devastating Truck wreck near Seymour TX. The news sent shockwaves through the community that could never be filled.
Mitch Terrell’s legacy will be celebrated for generations to come. He was a shining star, inspiring others who aspired to follow in his footsteps.
His memory will forever remain etched in our hearts, a testament to the bravery, friendship, and cowboy spirit that defined him.
Mitch had a love for his livestock and more importantly his bucking horse breeding program. Through out years in the TCRA (Texas Cowboys Rodeo Association) Mitch had several stock of the year awards and stock contractor of the year awards. Mitch had stock at every level of rodeo from Highschool all the way up to the National Finals Rodeo where they won awards as well as the PBR Finals. Mitch love for producing quality rodeos has landed him rodeos that he has had for several years such as Texas Cowboy reunion in Stamford TX, Post TX, Seymour TX just to name a few.
